People Before Profit calls on Tánaiste to correct Dáil record of his statements on use of Irish airspace
Media Release – People Before Profit
26th August 2024
Immediate Release
People Before Profit Dublin TD Bríd Smith has demanded answers about the reported use of Irish airspace to transport weapons for Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza, and has called on Tánaiste Micheál Martin to correct the Dáil record of his statements on the use of Irish airspace to transport weapons.
Deputy Smith said “In the last week, evidence has been published that shows there were two Israeli-operated flights from the United States that flew over Ireland carrying a combined 31.7 tonnes of weaponry, bound for Israel. The dates of the flights were 1 February and 24 February 2024.
On 11 April 2024 the Tánaiste told me in the Dáil at Leaders Questions that “No airport in Ireland or Irish sovereign airspace is being used to transport weapons to the conflict in the Middle East”.
In light of the evidence published in recent days by The Ditch, this morning I have written to the Tánaiste asking him to correct the Dáil record on this matter, and to make a statement on this matter.
While the Government has offered the people of Gaza empty words of sympathy, it appears they have at the same time been enabling the transport of lethal weaponry to supply Israeli military’s campaign of genocide.
I am appalled at what is now emerging about the duplicitous role of the Government, and I will pursue the Tánaiste and the Government to ensure complete transparency and accountability for what has happened.
I also urge people to join the national mobilisation at Shannon airport at 2pm on Sunday 8th September to demand an end to the use of the airport by the US military”.
ENDS/
Contact –
Bríd Smith – 087 909 0166
Des Hennelly (Press Officer) 086 851 9909
